When forecasting snowfall for a given area, it's important to consult the ensemble forecasts from a model. A weather model ensemble is a group of many model runs instead of just one forecast. #nlwx
Each run starts with slightly different conditions to show a range of possible outcomes. When members cluster together, confidence is high; when they spread out, uncertainty is higher.
When forecasting snowfall, you can use percentiles for a given time frame to show the low-end, most likely, and high-end amounts for a region or location. When those values start to converge, that shows there is agreement among the ensemble forecasts and leads to higher confidence in a forecast by the meteorologist or enthusiast consuming the data.
In this example, we will examine the ECMWF ensemble output for St. John's (YYT) between Sunday evening and Tuesday evening:
Low End: ~30 cm
Most Likely: ~40 cm
High End: ~48 cm
This indicates a range of roughly 30 to 50 cm for the metro area, which is reasonable given the setup. The question I have is whether the snow will change to ice pellets and/or freezing rain on Monday afternoon for a few hours, after heavy snow Sunday night into Monday morning and before another round on Monday night?
If that occurs, the total will be closer to 30 cm; if it doesn't, the total will exceed 40 cm.
Details to come for a wider area in an update this afternoon. But hopefully that insight helps.
The map below shows the most likely outcome as of early Saturday morning. Keep in mind that it is subject ot change.
WEATHER ALERT(S) | JAN 30, 2026
An Orange Level Winter Storm Watch is in effect for eastern Newfoundland and the Avalon Peninsula from Sunday night through Tuesday afternoon for 30 to 50 cm of snow and wind gusts as high as 110 km/h from the northeast. #nlwx
There is a chance that parts of the Avalon, likely the southeast, see a change to ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain Monday afternoon. That change could happen farther north as well, but it appears less likely than more likely at this time.
A Yellow Level Winter Storm Watch is in effect for areas just to the west for 20 to 35 cm of snow and wind gusts as high as 100 km/h from the northeast.
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This alert comes from Environment Canada and while my forecasts can differ, my thinking is currently very much in line with this.
Updates to follow.
The incoming winter storm will bring higher-than-normal water levels due to large waves and storm surge for many shorelines of Newfoundland between Monday and Tuesday. The greatest risk of high water will be around the high tide(s). #nlwx
https://t.co/RzYdylvlHR
Good morning @CISNCountry@Randy_Marshall and the cisn crew. Good to hear you raised some much, awesome.
Having my last bite of Candy Cane hot chocolate, probably should have kept it for the storm coming Sunday night and all day Monday 😔.
Jelly Roll Sings Unreleased Track ‘I Am Not OK’ on The Voice – Here Are the Lyrics https://t.co/JrG7FYKmvh @tasteofcountry
��I know one day, we'll see the other side
The pain will wash away, in a holy water tide
We all gonna be alright”